Former DEP worker cleared of tampering charge

AUGUSTA — A former hazardous materials cleanup specialist for the state has been cleared of a charge of tampering with public records.

Jon P. Andrews, 58, of Augusta, successfully completed the terms of a five-month deferred disposition from Kennebec County Superior Court, which included making a $3,500 donation to the Maine Coastal & Inland Surface Oil Cleanup.

Andrews, who retired March 6, 2012, from the state Department of Environmental Protection, destroyed his notes, but didn’t think it was wrong, his attorney, Walter McKee, said in February at Andrews’ previous court hearing.

At that time, Andrews entered an Alford plea of guilty, meaning he believed a jury could find him guilty but not that they would, according to McKee. The sentencing was deferred for five months and the charge was dismissed July 9.

The prosecutor, Assistant Attorney General Leanne Robbin, said Andrews destroyed or tampered with‚ 265 reports the day he retired as “a parting shot at the department he had had a difficult relationship with.”

Andrews worked for the state since 1989 and in October 2011, lost an appeal to have his state job reclassified to a higher level. He also sued his supervisors in 1995.

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